Overview

Mount Corruption sits on a subsidiary ridge
just east and north from the main Lost River Range Crest. The scenic and
spectacular East and West Pahsimeroi River Valleys lie just west of the peak and
provide some of the most stunning scenery in the state. Corruption sees
few summits due to it's long approach, relative isolation in relation to the
main corridor ID-93, and the fact that it falls just below the magic 12,000 foot
height that attracts many scramblers. As of May 2006 there was 1 summit
log entry from 2004 and the first known ascent probably occurred in 1992.

Nearby Mount
Breitenbach sits just 3 miles south of Corruption and Borah
Peak , Idaho's tallest, lies 5.7 to the northwest. These peaks are
typically accessed from the Lost River Valley and the ID-93 corridor. Mount
Corruption's approach involves crossing over from the Lost River Valley, just
north of Borah, into the Pahsimeroi Valley with at least 25 miles of variable
dirt road.

Mount Corruption's name derives not from a corrupted historical mining
company in the area, nor a corrupt congressmen, but simply from the quality of
rock on the peak. Nearby Bad Rock Peak is unofficially named in similar
fashion. The Lost River Range contains one of the greatest collections of
impressive unnamed peaks. Some notable unofficially named peaks include: Mount
Idaho (12,065), Sacajawea Peak (11,936), Mount Corruption (11,857), Mount
Church (12,200), No Regret Peak (11,972), Lost
River Mountain (12,078), USGS Peak (11,982). You'll notice that 3 of
Idaho's 12ers do not have official names. There are over 50 peaks in the
Lost River Range that rise from 10,000 to 12,000+ feet with no official
name.

Trails / Routes

North-North West Side Couloirs- 2 distinct couloirs rise on the
north side of Corruption and are easily viewed while approaching via the
East Fork of the Pahsimeroi River. The couloir on the right side (if
viewed from the north) rises at a steeper angle and for a longer distance
than the couloir on the left side. The left couloir rises
approximately 1500 feet until it meets a lower shoulder ridge of the
peak. The right side couloir rises approximately 2000 feet until it
crests on the ridge. The longer couloir rises for only about 50% of
the elevation of the peak as measured from the valley floor. This means that
topping out on the couloir still leaves half the climb to get to the summit
of Corruption. From the lower ridge scamble southwest, then southeast as it
approaches the summit. Near the top there are short sections of Class
4climbing. Descend via the SW Face Route for a very quick
retreat.

Southwest Face-See Routes for more info.

Numerous other possibilities exist starting on the
north side valley and the West Fork of the Burnt Creek.

Getting There

Road Approach

From ID-93 turn off east onto DoubleSprings Pass
Road at approximately 46 miles north of Arco. It will be approximately 25 miles
to the trailhead from this turn off. Leave the DoubleSprings Pass at 9.5 miles
with a hard right turn. Proceed on the most traveled road up and over
HorseHeaven Pass and descend into Mahogany Creek (signed). Cross the stream (1
of 4 ) which may be several feet deep and ascend to the ridge. At approximately
13.9 from the DoubleSprings Pass Road turnoff you'll encounter a split. The
right hand split ascends the West Fork of the Pahsimeroi River Valley. You'll
take the left fork up the East Fork of the Pahsimeroi River Valley. Follow
this road to the complete end for the SW Face route and stop under the
north-northwest couloirs for those routes.

4WD is required for the spring creek crossings, short steep hills, and large
rocks in the dirt roads.

Scrambling Approach

For the SW Face: Park as high up into the
East Fork valley that you can and stay close and just above the river on the
east side. Look for a small forested area that rises slightly into the SW Face
(visible on the USGS map). Follow the tree band as high as it will go and then
enter the scree field. Follow the few solid sections of limestone and angle
slightly left as you rise up. Just under the summit you angle back to the right
under a cliff band on the ridge and ideally exit at a small notch where you'll
walk just east and south a few hundred feet to the true summit.

For the North-Northwest Couloirs: From approximately 8200 feet pick
your way up through pines and small cliff bands until your just under the
couloir.

Conditions and Season

While the rest of the Lost River Range offers
a relatively long climbing season, the season for climbing Corruption may be
slightly less given it's longer approach and north / east side aspect. Still it
may be possible from April to November to easily access the peak.
Springtime will present fun and challenging river crossings in your
vehicle. While other ranges such as the Sawtooths and Pioneers are still
socked in with snow in the Spring, the Lost Rivers present great snow free
opportunities on the southerly aspects.